Government Accountability Office(GAO)
The independent congressional agency that investigates federal spending, audits government programs, and adjudicates bid protests.
Overview
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. Often called the "congressional watchdog," GAO audits federal agencies, evaluates government programs, and investigates how taxpayer dollars are spent. For contractors, GAO's most direct role is adjudicating bid protests — formal challenges to contract award decisions.
Why It Matters in GovCon
GAO bid protests are one of the primary mechanisms contractors use to challenge unfair or improper award decisions. If you believe an agency violated procurement regulations in evaluating your proposal or awarding a contract, a GAO protest is a relatively fast and cost-effective remedy. GAO sustains roughly 12-15% of protests on the merits.
Key Details
- Bid Protests: Must be filed within 10 days of knowing the basis for protest (or within 5 days of a debriefing). GAO issues a decision within 100 days.
- CICA Stay: When a protest is filed before award or within 10 days after, the agency must suspend contract performance (the "automatic stay") pending GAO's decision.
- Reports and Audits: GAO publishes reports on virtually every area of federal spending, providing valuable market intelligence for contractors.
- Recommendations: GAO recommendations are not legally binding, but agencies comply with the vast majority.
Related Terms
- Bid Protest
- Debriefing
- Competition in Contracting Act (CICA)
- Contracting Officer (CO)
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